Two Kiwis, two Aussies and a Hawaiian
Last weekend the boys battled it out in Wellington, next weekend they will meet on the waves of Port Waikato, but for now they’re happy sharing the surf.
Bonga Perkins (Hawaii), Jackson Close (Australia) and Harley Ingleby (Australia) are world champion longboarders who are in New Zealand especially for the 2008 Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour.
In a typical display of the mateship of surf culture, the three champs are this week being taken on tour by last year’s winner and current third place holder, Daniel Kereopa and New Zealand’s own ‘Big Wave’ surfer Campbell Farrell.
They will arrive in Port Waikato this weekend ready to fight it out in the competition, yet for now it’s about sharing the best New Zealand has to offer and meeting some locals along the way.
The Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour is New Zealand’s premier longboard series with surfers from every corner of the country making the pilgrimage to enter these events in search of the championship title.
"We have sponsored the competition for three years now and in that time seen New Zealand’s interest in long boarding grow." Says Philip Eustace, Hyundai Executive Director.
"That’s why it’s great having the internationals here; they really add to the competition and it’s great that they’re spending some time hanging out with New Zealand surfers in between the comps."
This will be the third year Port Waikato has hosted the final of the competition, with it tending to be one of the favourite events with consistent conditions.
With some impressive credentials between them - Bonga Perkins won his first competition at 12 years old. Jackson Close at 23 has won over 40 competitions and placed in over 100 and Harley Ingleby is the reigning Australian champion - it will definitely make for some exciting surfing.
Travelling with the champs is our own big wave surfer, Campbell Farrell. Although Campbell is not competing he will be keeping an eye on the waves looking for the next big thing, literally. Campbell was the first kiwi to surf ‘Jaws’ the infamous 60-80 foot break in Maui, Hawaii. Campbell is currently assembling a crew to find New Zealand’s own ‘Jaws’ and take it on.
2008 Hyundai Pro
Longboard Tour current placings:
1st Daryn McBride (The Mount)
2nd Daniel Kereopa (Raglan)
3rd Michael Burling (Gisborne)